The taxonomic history of Prunus is long and complicated, in part due to the economic value of its fruit crops and also the ease with which some species hybridize. Here, Prunus is circumscribed in its broad sense based on the argument that when viewed on a worldwide scale, the morphologic discontinuities among the segregate genera diminish and they overlap with one another. Included here are species that have at times been placed in the genera Amygdalus, Armeniaca, Cerasus, Laurocerasus, Padus, and Persica.
At the species level, Prunus has been the object of the usual combining and splitting common among taxonomists with different philosophies and opinions. In particular, over-reliance on the indument of various vegetative and floral parts has led to the naming of numerous species and infraspecific taxa. Similarly, too much has been made of fruit colour and palatability in naming taxa of Prunus. It is very likely that, as molecular and genetic data are analyzed and, more importantly, correlated with morphological data, circumscriptions will be redrawn and the number of Prunus species will be reduced[].

Common Name: Mahaleb Cherry

General Information

Prunus mahaleb is a deciduous shrub or a tree with a loose, spreading head of branches; it can grow 3 - 15 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is especially valued for the almond-like flavouring it provides and is sometimes harvested on a commercial basis. The plant can also be used in reforestation and soil stabilization projects and is also grown as an ornamental.
Prunus mahaleb is a widespread species that is common and stable in parts of its range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The plant (especially the seed and young shoots) contains cyanogenic glycosides, especially amygdalin and prunasin. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The fruits and flowers of most members of this genus generally have low or very low concentrations of this toxin, though the seeds and young shoots can contain much higher levels.
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- for example sweet tasting almond seeds are a major food crop and are often eaten in quantity, whilst bitter tasting almond seeds are used as a flavouring (in marzipan for example) but are not usually eaten on their own.
In general, it can be considered safe to eat any fruit or seed from species in this genus that either have a sweet flavour or are slightly bitter. Great caution should be taken, however, if the flavour is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, , ,

Range

Europe - Poland to Portugal, east to Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey and Syria to Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan; N. Africa - Morocco

Habitat

Dry hillsides, thickets and open woods[]. Roadsides, stream banks, limestone bluffs and quarries, lowland thickets and woods, fencerows, chaparral; at elevations up to 2,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	9.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[, ], growing best in a poor soil[, ]. When planted in very rich soils the plant is apt to become rank and ungainly - in sandy soils it thrives and blossoms remarkably well[]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[, ].
A fast-growing tree that is used as an ornamental[, ].
Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Prunus mahaleb was introduced to North America as a rootstock for commercial cherries and is now sometimes cultivated for its attractive and fragrant flowers[].
Prunus mahaleb is a deciduous tree or large shrub that prefers cool, sheltered, mountainous areas with calcareous soils such as gorges, crevices, stream edges, oak forest clearings and rocky cliffs in Iberia and Italy. It is found on slopes in dry and sunny areas or among shrubs and oak forests in the Czech Republic. In Slovakia it is often found particularly in hilly areas on limestone and andesitic substrates[].

Edible Uses

The fruit might be edible[]. The flesh is leathery[]. The fruits of all members of this genus are more or less edible, though not always of very good quality[]. However, if the fruit is bitter it should not be eaten in any quantity due to the presence of toxic compounds, see the notes above on toxicity[]. The black, egg-shaped fruit is about 6 - 10mm in diameter and contains one large seed[, , ].

Seed - raw or cooked. The dried seed kernels are used as a flavouring in breads, sweet pastries, confectionery etc[, ]. They impart an intriguing flavour[]. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
Seed extracts are used as a flavouring (for example in Turkey where this species is an important crop)[].

Medicinal

The seed is tonic[].

Coumarin, which is contained in the bark, wood and seeds, has medical uses as an anti-inflammatory, a sedative and a vasodilator[].

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Other uses include erosion control and re-vegetation, the plant can also be used to provide shade and/or shelter[, ].

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[].
A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[].
A purple dye is obtained from the fruit[].

The plant can be used as a rootstock for the cultivated cherries[, ]. The plant is used as a frost resistant rootstock for the cultivated cherries, especially on light, dry and calcareous soils in warm sites[].
Prunus mahaleb is a secondary genetic relative of the Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), and has been used as rootstock for the Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus)[].

The plant has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement[].

The leaves are used for perfumes[]. Distillation of the leaves and fruit yields a fragrant liquid, used in perfumery[].

The seeds are used in the production of 'almond' soap; their peculiar odour is due to amygdalin, which contains prussic acid[].
The fragrant fruit stones are used in India for perfumes[].

Young branches are used in the construction of various objects such as cabinets, pipes, wine barrels and baskets[].

The wood is hard, very heavy, polishes well. Its pleasant odour is due to the presence of coumarin, which occurs in bound form in the wood and the bark. It is used for turnery, ornamental items etc[, , ]. At one time, the aromatic wood was a favourite for making tobacco pipes[]. The tobacco pipe stems, usually incorrectly referred to as cherry pipes, are highly valued[].

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[, ].
Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[].
Layering in spring.